Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, have dealt a blow to a suspected criminal network in Taraba State after raiding a hideout in Peva, Takum Local Government Area, and arresting five suspected associates of a notorious bandit.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Thursday, September 3, followed credible intelligence received by the troops around 12:30 a.m. on the location of the suspected hideout.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops from Sector 1, supported by personnel from Sector 3, mobilised and moved in to raid the identified location.
However, the suspected terrorists reportedly got wind of the advancing troops and escaped before the security personnel arrived at the hideout.
Despite the escape, the troops combed the area and succeeded in arresting five individuals suspected of having links with the fleeing criminal elements.
A search of the hideout also yielded a cache of military-related items and suspected operational materials, including two AK-47 rifle magazines and 46 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The troops further recovered a woodland camouflage jacket, a jungle hat, four charm vests and assorted charms.
Security sources said the arrests and recovered items could provide important leads in the ongoing investigation and help security forces uncover the wider structure of the criminal network operating in the area.
The five suspects have been taken into custody for profiling and interrogation as troops intensify efforts to determine their individual roles and track down other members of the group who escaped during the raid.
Operation Whirl Stroke said it would sustain intelligence-led operations across Taraba and other parts of its Joint Operations Area in a bid to maintain pressure on terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
The task force also appealed to residents to remain alert and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
It said strong cooperation between communities and security forces remained critical to preventing criminal activities, protecting lives and property, and restoring lasting peace across affected areas.
Source:@ZagazolaMakama
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